A debt-laden thief who took almost £70 worth of meat from a supermarket was spared further punishment after serving two days in custody.

Central Reading man Peter Edwards, 32, stole meat worth £68.24 from Asda in Lower Earley by bringing empty Asda carrier bags with him and filling them with food on Friday, March 16.

A member of staff spotted him and he was arrested shortly after he left the Chalfont Way shop. He admitted the theft during a police interview and was supposed to appear in court on Wednesday, April 11, but never showed up.

A warrant was issued and he was arrested again on Saturday, March 14, then spent two days in custody before appearing in front of Reading magistrates on the Monday.

He admitted both the theft and failing to surrender, although the court heard he only missed the hearing, scheduled to take place at Newbury Magistrates Court, because he did not have the money to get there, tried to jump a train but was caught and thrown off in Thatcham.

Rebecca McMasters, defending, said: “He’s in receipt of employment support allowance, he owes rent arrears of £1,000 and careers loans to the Government of £1,500 – he does have substantial debts considering his means.

“He intended to eat some of the stolen items and sell some to buy more food.”

The magistrates initially ordered Edwards, of [address], to pay £215 but ruled the two days he spent in custody could count in lieu of the fine.